Why can sodium chloride conduct electricity in the molten state but no in the solid state?

In order to conduct electricity a substance must have charge particles, such as electrons and ions, that are free to move freely through it. In the solid state, ionic compounds such as sodium chloride have their ions fixed in position and therefore these ions cannot move so solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity. However in the molten state, ions in ionic compounds are free to flow and therefore molten sodium chloride can conduct electricity.

OM

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name a test for a C=C double bond


What is observed in the reaction between an acid and a carbonate?


Calculate the relative formula mass of Iron(III) Oxide (Fe2O3)


An atom of iron is represented as 26Fe 56 Give the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in this atom of iron.